iPhone 17 Pro's Vulnerability Exposed

In a stunning revelation, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are proving to be far more fragile than expected. Renowned tech blogger Zack Nelson, on his popular JerryRigEverything YouTube channel, puts these devices to the test and finds that they offer little protection against scratches, particularly around the notoriously sharp camera bump.

Anodized Aluminum: A Design Flaw?

Nelson highlights a critical design flaw: the anodized aluminum coating seems to peel away at the corners of the camera plateau. "For some reason, Apple didn’t add any protective features like a chamfer or radius around the camera area, likely to maintain a sleek look," he states. While visually appealing initially, this decision may haunt users as wear and tear sets in over time.

Real-World Damage: The Scratching Tests

In the test videos, everyday items like coins and house keys wreak havoc on the phone’s finish when stored in the same pocket. The result? Significant chipping around the camera's edges. Surprisingly, while the flat surfaces resist scratching, they may accumulate dust that is easily wiped away.

Alarm Bells from Apple Stores

Concerns about durability aren't just theoretical. Reports from Bloomberg revealed demo units displayed in Apple stores showed signs of scratches within mere hours of handling, especially on the eye-catching deep blue and black iPhone Air models.

Your Next Move: Protection is Key!

If you’re considering buying an iPhone 17 Pro, this might be your cue to invest in a robust protective case. Alternatively, be prepared to embrace a unique 'patina' on your device, as the scratches are purely cosmetic but could affect your phone's aesthetic appeal.